Why Not Us?: The 86-Year Journey of the Boston Red Sox Fans from Unparalleled Suffering to the Promised Land of the 2004 World Seri

by Leigh Montville

Book Overview

Generation after generation watched and hoped and prayed for victory. And generation after generation turned away frustrated and disappointed- 1946 (when the Sox lost the World Series in 7 games), '48... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1586483331
• ISBN13: 9781586483333
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: PublicAffairs
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

i had tears in my eyes

this is a great book all around but chapter 5 The Story of The Amazing Thread had me in tears. It goes on to describe the pain and suffering of sox fans and sox fans who have left us. This is a must read for any red sox fan or baseball fan.

Agony to Disbelief to Relief

I have lived in Boston since 1964 and am about the same age as Leigh Montville. Over those years, I've loved his wonderful writing in the Boston Globe, Sports Illustrated and now in his books. I think he's done an important service in writing this book because in future years the unbelievable experience of having been a frustrated Red Sox fan all those years will be lost. Yet that perspective was a dominant one in the area for the 42 years I've been here. In a sense, you cannot understand New Englanders unless you appreciate their long suffering with the Red Sox. It's like the way we put up with the winters . . . assuming that spring will follow. Those who take the easy road just head to Florida. It seemed ironic that the Florida Marlins quickly captured the World Series after being founded while the Red Sox continued to toil below the top. Anyone who has been a Red Sox fan should read this book. You'll discover dimensions of fan-ship that you never expected. I also recommend that the book be shared with young fans who don't know anything about the Curse of the Bambino, Buckner's fielding or Pedro's last stint in 2003. If you do share the book with younger people, I suggest you write out or record your own fan experiences during the 86 year drought to help extend the heritage of your loyalty in the face of frustration. The book describes from a number of perspectives how the Red Sox went from 1918 to 2004 without any World Championships . . . and explores those tantalizing moments when they came close in the last 40 years. Leigh Montville also recounts his own career and connection to the Red Sox . . . and his feelings as a fan. He also tells how the 2004 championship came together. From there, he launches off into a number of other perspectives as fans reflected on what the past had meant. One of the longest sections is of posts to the Sons of Sam Horn website. If you are like me, you'll feel a tear or two start to form as you read some of those posts. Mr. Montville then expands to include some of the most unlikely fans you'll ever meet. Anyone who has ever visited Fenway has probably entered one of the local taverns. Mr. Montville enters the Baseball Tavern on Brookline Avenue to give you the view from behind the counter. In The Victory Story, he picks up threads of important precursors to the victory. Perhaps the most interesting one is of the Epstein family. To me the most important section was called "The Moral of the Story" where he opined about what our long relationship with the Red Sox says about us. The book ends on a slightly delirious and funny note as Mr. Montville tells us about his taunting relationship with a Yankee fan . . . and what 2004 was like for him. That section includes his essay for the Globe's special memento edition.

Tugs at the heartstrings

Much like the Sports Illustrated Sportsmen of the Year issue, this book is for the fans and about the fans. Montville tells his own story, that of his family, and that of hundreds of Sox fans. Touching stuff. Anyone who has rooted for the sox for 1 year or 100 years shares in this book and has a part to play in the story of the 2004 sox. You will definitely see yourself in the stories in this book. Whether it be the 8-year-old who cries for weeks after Nomar was traded, or the chapter of "Win it for..." this book is bound to have something for every one. Hard not to tear up! A+ book that captures the essence of being a Sox fan much better than Stephen King's "Faithful."

If you love the Red Sox...

...you will love this book...especially the 5th chapter, The Amazing Thread...i guarantee you will have tears in your eyes, and want to share it with all other Red Sox fans. Leigh Montville has written a book that is a compilation of stories by and about the people of Red Sox Nation...players, fans, managers, owners...and he has done a wonderful job. He has always been a great writer, and with this book he touches our hearts as no one else can. My only regret is that it isn't longer, but maybe he'll write a sequel after this season. (Hope springs eternal for this Red Sox fan!)

Great Fan Book for Fans!

I am surprised that more people have not reviewed this book. All Red Sox fans should read "Why Not Us," which tells the story of other Red Sox Fans and their tears and disappointment throughout the years and their joy and adulation when the Boston Red Sox finally win the World Series after 86 years. A very poignant and touching book. A must for all die hard fans and bandwagoneers alike.